Sugar-Free Apple Cookies (Vegan, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free)

A soft, naturally sweet, and nutritious cookie with no refined sugar or eggs—perfect for a healthy snack or dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

• 100% sugar-free – sweetness comes from apples and raisins

• Egg-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly

• Made with semolina and rice flour for a tender bite

• Simple prep with no mixer needed

• Kid-friendly and great for lunchboxes

Ingredients

• 2 apples, peeled and grated

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 80 g wheat semolina

• 100 g raisins

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

• 130 g rice flour, sifted

• 1 teaspoon baking powder (preferably aluminum-free, like Royal)

Note on Semolina: Semolina is a coarse wheat flour that gives the cookies structure and a slightly firm bite. It is lighter in color and lower in fiber than whole wheat flour.

‍ Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prep the Apple Base

• Peel and grate the apples into a medium bowl.

• Add the lemon juice and semolina. Mix thoroughly to coat the apples and allow the semolina to begin absorbing moisture.

2. Add Raisins

• Stir in the raisins, mixing evenly so they’re distributed throughout the apple-semolina mixture.

3. Rest the Mixture

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

This step is crucial—resting allows the semolina to swell and soften, which improves the cookie texture.

4. Form the Dough

• After chilling, add the vegetable oil, sifted rice flour, and baking powder.

• Stir until everything is fully combined into a compact, moldable dough.

If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or apple juice. If too wet, add a bit more rice flour.

5. Shape the Cookies

• Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

• Place spoonfuls of dough onto the tray. You can flatten slightly or shape into small rectangles or rounds.

• Use a knife or spatula to lightly score or cut the dough into portions if making bar-style cookies.

6. Bake

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.

Keep an eye on the last 10 minutes—bake time may vary depending on cookie size and oven.

❄️ Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 1 week. Best served at room temperature or lightly warmed.

• Freezer: Freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm for best texture.

️ Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with tea or coffee as a light snack

• Pair with a spoonful of unsweetened applesauce or nut butter

• Perfect for school lunchboxes or healthy afternoon cravings

Recipe Variations

• Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth

• Mix in chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch

• Use dried cranberries or chopped dates instead of raisins

• For extra fiber, substitute 1–2 tablespoons of the rice flour with oat flour

Final Thoughts

These soft apple cookies prove that healthy and delicious can absolutely go hand-in-hand. With no added sugar or animal products, they’re a guilt-free treat that’s rich in natural flavor and texture—perfect for those watching their intake or embracing a cleaner way of eating.